493.11 Ekvall, Henry/75: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 15—6:35 a.m.]
1336. Legation’s 1319, December 12 [11], 4 p.m. Following from Hankow:
“December 14, 4 p.m. Henry Ekvall’s father would prefer that Ekvall’s body be not recovered. Ekvall’s father said that he would not personally accept money obtained on account of his son’s death. He said that suggestions have been made that exemplary damages demanded by the United States Government for Ekvall’s death be used for engineering construction in Shensi. He said that he is opposed to this. He said that his own preference would be that any money obtained be given to the joint missions school for blind girls and deaf mutes at Wuchang.”
- 2.
- In letter received yesterday from Stanton he states he believes there is little to be gained by American representatives remaining longer in Sian. In telegram dated December 11, 7 p.m., Stanton stated instructions in the Department’s 390, December 7, 6 p.m., would be complied with.
- 3.
- Stanton and Soule and special Chinese representatives have been living in unheated Chinese inn and one of the Chinese has contracted bronchial pneumonia. In view of Hankow’s telegram quoted above and conditions reported in paragraph 4 of the Legation’s 1319, December 12 [11], 4 p.m., and also the fact that apprehension of Quartermaster Chen and surviving members of murder band is highly problematical Legation suggests that Stanton and Soule be authorized to conclude their mission in Sian after a final effort to bring about more energetic action in search of remaining murderers. Further negotiations in the case could then be continued through the usual channels.
- 4.
- The Minister has commended Stanton and Soule for the patience, tact and skill exhibited by them in the handling of this difficult case.